I’m the youngest of three siblings. My parents immigrated to Toronto from Greece. We lived in Riverdale and then East York those early years; I don’t remember much when I was a young child. My parents have told me how they wanted to move back to their homeland, and were making plans to do so.
But then my sister became ill. She suffered numerous bouts of pneumonia much too often, ending up in hospitals for weeks at a time. She spent a lot of time at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Eventually, she required surgery to remove part of her lung.
I’ve signed up for the Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk for SickKids Foundation in honour of my sister, and other children whose lives are saved daily thanks to SickKids.
The walk takes place on September 24, 2016, provides families a chance to give back and support SickKids in a unique and fun camp themed environment. Participants can participate in a 5 km, 10 km, 15 km or 20 km walk in a unique and fun camp-themed environment.
Last year, 3,000 participants helped to raise an incredible $2.2 million for SickKids last year! Now that’s incredible!
I’m doing my part and fundraising too! So far, I’ve reached 60% of my goal, and would love to surpass it. So far, I’ve been successful in raising funds through word-of-mouth, social media and emailing friends and family.
But I want to get my kids involved too. It’s important for them to actively participate in this amazing charitable fundraiser. So over the Labour Day weekend, we are going to set up a lemonade stand along with selling some cool bracelets that the kids will make themselves. I’m also considering setting up a side table to sell some gently used toys and books!
Here are some other ways to fundraise:
Ask!
Don’t be shy; tell everyone you’re doing the walk! Tell them why you’re participating and let them know what your fundraising goal is and then ask for a donation. Ask your doctor, dentist, coworkers,, teachers, neighbours, dry cleaner, bank teller, grocery store clerk, yoga instructor, etc.
Lemonade Stand
Yes, it’s the simplest way to get the kids involved! Have kids set up a lemonade stand, and sell some handmade bead bracelets too! Add a bake sale while you’re at it!
Bottle Drive
Put flyers around your neighborhood telling people to put their bottles out on a certain day and you’ll come by to collect and return them for the deposit money.
Car Wash
Hold a car wash in your neighborhood, at your local church, or at your place of business. Ask local businesses to donate the supplies you will need and ask your friends to help wash
Used Book Sale
If a full-on garage sale is daunting, why not have a book sale? Ask everyone you know (co-workers, neighbours, family and friends) to donate any books they have read and are finished with. Choose a time and place to have a used book sale. Try the local farmer’s market, school carnival or community centre.
Silent Auction
Ask some local businesses to donate items or gift certificates, and hold a silent auction during the car wash or bake sale! People love to bid on things like movie passes, gift cards, spa services, etc. Set minimum donation limits and allow people to bid them up.
Social Media
Social media is also a great way to reach out to all your friends and ask for donations. Update your status daily on Facebook to remind your friends to donate. Show them how close you are to reaching your goal!
DONATE
If you’d like to donate to my walk, please do so here!
REGISTER
Want to walk too? You can register an individual, form a new team or join an existing team. Sign up here to register.
Follow the #WalkforSickKids on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to get the latest news and stories.
Proceeds from the Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk go directly to SickKids Foundation, for the hospital’s most urgent needs. SickKids is a world leader in patient care and research discoveries to ensure that every child has a chance to be healthy and happy.
Walk with us!
